If you have an older computer - or a computer sporting a smaller amount of memory / hard drive - you need to know about Lubuntu.

Tiny Brains

While there are several flavors of Linux that will yet work on smaller footprints, those wanting to use modern incarnations of C/C++, Python, Java, PHP, and other technologies would also like to have the latest software development tools.

Yet while always possible for the do-it-yourselfer on just about any Linux 'Distro, even those unafraid of long DIY efforts prefer avoiding such safaris...

Did I mention that I also wanted to use a 32 bit computer?

Mac Mini Support

My A1176 (i5 Core Solo) came with 512MB of RAM, and a 60GB hard drive.

While I had RAM that I could pull from other devices in-the-closet, I did not mind waiting for the upgrade to arrive from China.

'Bagging the requisite 2x1GB DDR2 upgrade on eBay for under $4.oo for the pair (free shipping, of course ;), the game is now afoot.

Ubunti?

Whilst waiting on that slow-boat to arrive from China, I went looking for a silver bullet OS for my Mac Mini. We originally opted for Ubuntu 10.10.

No longer readily supported for those modern editions of R&D tools however, we resisted the temptation to go "big-game" hunting to instead set our sights on Lubuntu 14.04.

We are presently stalking 14.04.05. Will let you know how it works out!

p.s. If you are looking for a great 'IoT' (lol) server to use for posting content to 'Twitter & elsewhere, discover - at the time of this new-year's undertaking - that one can score an old Mac Mini on eBay for under $50.

While still 32 bits, a T7600 Processor (i5 Dual Core) upgrade for all Intel Mac Minis is under $20.oo.

Once explored, discover also that maxed-out versions of a Mac Mini - which are completely capable of using Ubuntu 17.x - can be proudly brought-down & operationally enthroned in your trophy-case for under $60!

PROJECT UPDATE:

16 days latter, the RAM arrived. With the assistance of some oversized putty knives, the update was relatively (read: 'for an Apple device' ;-) easy to do.

(1) After removing the cover, the most difficult thing was to disconnect that tiny 2-wire power cable to the main board... I could easily see how people might make the mistake of doing that incorrectly. (i.e. It is a socketed, plastic pair. The top of the connector connects to a plastic base, NOT staking pins, so BE SURE TO wiggle it apart, do NOT attempt to pry it off of the mother board!)

(2) Next, the antenna also fell off of the Airport card whilst pulling-apart that 'mobo, but - unlike the power connector (!) - the antenna was easy to replace. (i.e. While I thought the copper snapped-off something, after staring at it in disbelief for a few, it was just a funky, socketed, connector. -Was easy to push the antenna back on the Airport card once the cerebral-shock wore off. (lol))

""" Reload the project file each and every time we are asked to manage the File's content """ def __enter__(self): with open(self.projectFile, "r") as fh: lines = fh.readlines() for line in lines: row = line.split('|') if len(row) is 2: self._add(row[0], row[1]) return self